by Sherry Heyl

Today 36% of the workforce is freelancing which means there is a good chance there is a freelancer on your gift list.

Freelancers live an exciting life of chasing their next deal, meeting clients at local coffee shops, and striving to maintain their expertise in an ever-changing world.

Most freelancers have chosen this lifestyle. They love working for themselves, being in control of their career path and free to pursue their passions. Most freelancers do not contain their work in one bucket and life in another. Because they are able to do the work they love their work is often integrated into their lives.

If you are looking to give the freelancer in your life a meaningful holiday gift, consider a gift that helps them continue to pursue the work they are passionate about. Below are few ideas.

1. Put their logo on it

Give the freelancer in your life a pen, notebook, or coffee mug with their logo on it. It shows you value them as a professional business person and gives them tools to be proud to use at their next client meeting.

2. Help them get organized

One of my favorite gifts that I received was a business card holder. 

I get lots of compliments on it when I am networking and it makes it easy for me to keep my cards available to hand out and separate from the business cards people are handing me. Another ideal gift is a laptop carrying case.

For the freelancer that is always on the go, either as a road warrior or band mom who is getting work done in the parking lot before a performance, consider the Auto Desk with Writing Surface and Supply Organizer. 

3. Keep them Cozy

One of the perks of freelancing is we do get to work at home in our PJs and I know I enjoy a comfy pair of PJs and a soft throw blanket. My friend and fellow freelancer Jenny Munn enjoys her electric mug warmer and space heater, especially when working late into the night.

4. Keep them Nourished

Freelancers spend a lot of time at coffee shops or taking clients out to lunch. A gift card to their favorite coffee shop or to a new and cool restaurant is always appreciated. If you think the freelancer in your life may not be taking enough time to prepare good meals for himself, consider a service like Blue Apron or Hello Fresh.

5. Keep them Educated and Motivated

An Amazon.com gift card is another good idea. Or if you would like to pick out the book yourself consider War of Art for the creative freelancer in your life or check out Path of the Freelancer by my friend and fellow freelancer Jason Montoya. 

Another idea suggested by my friend and fellow freelancer, Jason McCullough is a subscription to a training site such as Lynda.com

Do you have other great gift ideas for the freelancers in our lives? If so, please share in the comments.